Creswell's heritage houses restored
4 June 2007 By Keeli Cambourne
Shelby Ward and her husband LEUT Craig Ward thought their new home at HMAS Creswell had everything a young couple could wish for.
After all, they had moved from WA to one of the most beautiful locations on the eastern seaboard.
On May 16, their living arrangements took a giant leap forward when they were officially given the keys to one of the 12 refurbished heritage bungalows located on the base. Designed by Commonwealth architect John Smith Murdoch, the residences were built in 1915. His most famous piece of architecture in Australia is probably Old Parliament House.
For the past 30 years the bungalows had slipped into a state of heritage neglect, with maintenance concentrated on keeping them liveable rather than preserving their historical value.
But over the past 12 months the 12 bungalows, and the magnificent Captain's residence, have been restored to their former glory thanks to a $4.5 million Federal government grant to the Defence Housing Association.
Prior to construction work, 18 months of planning was carried out under consultation with a heritage architect who also helped guide the work said Richard Bear, General Manager, Development and Construction, DHA.
"It is fascinating to do this type of work because as you strip things back you always find something else," Mr Bear said. "When we pulled back the carpet we found beautiful hardwood floors, behind walls were fireplaces and all the intricate work that used to be a hallmark of that period.
"The verandahs are particularly spectacular, but what we also had to do as well as keeping the heritage value intact, was to make the houses liveable and bring in modern things like an ensuite."
Work on the homes included the enhancement and restoration of the characteristic values of the houses, such as roof repairs, external lining, painting and the replacement of rotten timber.
The kitchens and bathrooms were completely refurbished, and additional ensuites were built.
Where possible original fabric was retained and restored, and much effort was put into ensuring the houses are able to endure the salty weather conditions.
For Mrs Ward, who had actually moved into her new four-bedroom home a week before the official handover, it is like stepping back in time, with the added bonus of modern day conveniences.
